Choice Hotels Ascend Hotel Collection Celebrates Hotel Blake Chicago As 100th Domestic Property

Ascend Hotel Collection from Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, today announced the addition of Hotel Blake Chicago as the milestone 100 th domestic addition to its impressive list of upscale hotels. The news of the brand's remarkable growth was released at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit of hotel industry leaders in Los Angeles, California.

Located in the monumental 18 th-century Morton and Duplicator building in the heart of historic Printers Row at 500 S. Dearborn St., Hotel Blake Chicago sits in one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods and is considered a landmark of luxury among downtown Chicago hotels, offering a robust taste of Chicago's rich culture and diversity.

Hotel Blake Chicago features 162 spacious luxury guest rooms with 12-foot vaulted ceilings and large windows that let in natural light and allow for stunning views of the city. The hotel boasts exquisite bathrooms, a 24-hour fitness center and other well-appointed amenities, including business meeting and event spaces, the intimate Bar Blake and the delicious Meli Cafe.

"Hotel Blake Chicago offers guests a unique experience that reflects the sophisticated character of Chicago, while providing the highest standards of hospitality. These are the hallmarks of the Ascend Hotel Collection," said Mike Murphy, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels International.

Hotel Blake Chicago is optimally located in South Loop, and is within walking distance of State Street for a day of upscale shopping in classic department stores and designer boutiques. If guests are looking for a more culturally stimulating afternoon, neighboring Grant Park is home to three world-class museums The Art Institute, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.

The announcement of the 100 th domestic hotel is the latest in a string of exciting news from the Ascend Hotel Collection over the past year. After debuting in 2008 with just 17 properties, by the end of 2012 the Ascend Hotel Collection boasted 57 domestic hotels. As of December 31, 2013, that number surged to 121 hotels worldwide as the Ascend brand expanded its footprint into new territory downtown Las Vegas, Hawai'i and Ireland just to name a few key destinations.

Noteworthy additions to the Ascend Hotel Collection in 2013 included Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the first hotel to open in the Downtown area in three decades and the largest member of the Ascend properties with 634 rooms, The Equus, an equestrian themed retreat located in the fashionable upperwest side of Waikiki in Honolulu, and Hotel Florence, in South Carolina a bastion of true Southern hospitality located in the heart of Florence's historical downtown, featuring Victor's Bistro which was voted Florence's Best Restaurant.

The Ascend Hotel Collection also experienced substantial growth in the international market over the past year, opening the Lindenwarrah at Milawa hotel in Australia and expanding into Ireland with the gibson hotel in Dublin. With these additions, the total number of Ascend Hotel Collection properties has grown to 121 throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Central America, Australia and the Caribbean.

About Ascend Hotel Collection
The Ascend Hotel Collection membership program made its debut in late 2008 and now has 121 hotels open throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Central America, Australia and the Caribbean. The eclectic portfolio of upscale, independent hotels appeals to the growing number of people who like to immerse themselves in the destination and live like the locals when they travel. For more information, visit www.ascendcollection.com.